Residential Youth Worker - Night Shift

Barnardos; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Barnardos is seeking a Residential Youth Worker for our Christchurch residential home. This full-time night role runs Mon-Fri from 10:30pm to 6:30am and is an awake shift. You will engage with rangatahi daily and support them to make positive life changes while maintaining a positive team environment.

Applicants should bring a strong belief in rangatahi potential, experience with high-need youth, and culturally responsive practice. A NZ driver’s license is required; First Aid is desirable.

Qualifications

• A culturally responsive practice is desirable.
• Experience with rangatahi with high and complex needs, including trauma and challenging behaviour.
• Knowledge of Kaupapa Māori and/or Whānau Ora is desirable.
• Ability to remain calm, reflective and resilient in high-pressure situations.
• A current full NZ driver’s license is required.
• A current First Aid Certificate is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Engage and support young people on a daily basis.
• Support young people to make positive changes in their lives.
• Maintain a positive work environment.

Skills

Cultural responsiveness

Kaupapa Māori

Whānau Ora

Calm under pressure

Driver's license

First Aid

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Do you thrive on variety and meaningful work? Are you passionate about supporting rangatahi with complex needs to build safer, more positive futures? This could be the role for you. We are looking for a suitably qualified and/or experienced, culturally responsive youth worker for our residential home inChristchurch.

This full-time Night Shift role is 40 hours per week.
Monday - Friday 10:30pm - 6:30am
Please note, this is an awake shift, not a sleep over shift

Role & Responsibilities

As a Residential Youth Worker, you will:

• Engage and support young people on a daily basis
• Support young people to make positive changes in their lives
• Maintain a positive work environment

Skills & Experience

You will bring:

• A strong belief that all rangatahi deserve the opportunity to grow learn and thrive.
• Experience working with rangatahi with high and complex needs, including trauma and challenging behaviour.
• A culturally responsive practice, with an understanding of Te Ao Māori is desirable
• The ability to remain calm, reflective and resilient in high-pressure situations.
• Knowledge of Kaupapa Māori and/or Whānau Ora approach is desirable
• A current full NZ driver’s license is required, and
• A current First Aid Certificate is desirable.

Why Choose Barnardos?

• Be at the forefront of trauma-responsive youth care in New Zealand, contributing to groundbreaking programs
• Join a respected NGO with over 55 years of impact in child welfare and advocacy
• Access ongoing professional development opportunities, including specialised training in trauma-informed practices and the latest youth care methodologies
• Enjoy family-friendly policies, including flexible work arrangements where possible
• Benefit from discounted childcare at Barnardos Early Learning centres
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Supportive team environment with regular supervision and peer support
• Opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable young people

Embody Our Values

• Kotahitanga (unity): Cultivate a sense of belonging through meaningful relationships with rangatahi, colleagues, and the wider community
• Mahi tōtika (excellence): Demonstrate unwavering integrity and purpose in all aspects of your work, striving for the highest standards of care
• Kaikōkiritanga (innovation): Drive positive change with creativity, constantly seeking new and effective ways to support rangatahi
• Āta whakarongo (active listening): Let rangatahi voices shape your approach, ensuring their perspectives are central to decision-making
• Māiatanga (empowerment): Nurture growth and unlock potential in both rangatahi and colleagues, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development

About Barnardos Aotearoa

Barnardos Aotearoa is a children’scharityworking withtamarikiand whānau to ensure every child in Aotearoahas the opportunity tothrive, no matter their circumstances. Our unique combination of social services, early learning, careservicesand counselling helplineprovidesthe broadest range of childandwhānau-centred services inAotearoa.

Each year, we work with more than 30,000tamariki,rangatahiand whānau across the country.